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[SOLVED] random BSOD around "ntoskrnl.exe+7cc40" - due to bad memory
hello forum,
i just wanted to share the findings regarding my BSOD error symptoms.
to get assistance with troubleshooting you should follow the instructions given in: https://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-d...tructions.html
however, as very basic initial steps i personally prefer this approach:
- create a bootable CD for memtest86+ from Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool and let it run for 24 hours. if there is just one single error it means your memory is definitely bad. if there are no errors your memory is "most likely" OK.
- get a copy of BlueScreenView from NirSoft - freeware utilities: password recovery, system utilities, desktop utilities to easily read the crash dumps.
on my system i was getting sporadic BSOD crashes - each time random stop codes including:
- DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
- IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
- KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
- MEMORY_MANAGEMENT
- PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
- PFN_LIST_CORRUPT
- POOL_CORRUPTION_IN_FILE_AREA
- SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION
- SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
i wasn't able to make out any pattern. the only thing in common was the crash address that would always be "ntoskrnl.exe+7cc40".
in many cases the crash dumps will indicate a particular driv€r to be causing the trouble. but with my system this was not the case.
by coincidence i had identified a pattern how to reproduce a BSOD (by doing certain actions in a pre-defined sequence). so this would allow me to proceed with systematic troubleshooting.
in the end it turned out i was using some defective RAM - or "strange" RAM, at least.
it took me quite a while, because of the following reasons:
- BSOD seemed to occur randomly / sporadically
- BSOD was showing random stop codes
- memtest86+ did not show any erros!
conclusion:
i would recommend the following approach:
- use memtest86+ to check if there are any "obvious" errors with your RAM
- use BlueScreenView to check if any device driv€r seems to be causing the error
- in case you're getting "random" errors like me (as outlined above): take one more closer look at your RAM
in case this still doesn't get you any further: follow the posting instructions to attach the required files. the guys on this forum are doing a great job and will most likely be able to point you in the right direction for additional troubleshooting.
cheers, francoiste
Last edited by francoiste; 26 Nov 2011 at 14:00.